Do you know someone in the borough who has gone the ‘extra mile’ for their community? Is there a project you think did something great but didn’t get the recognition it deserved? They could be eligible for an award…
The Southwark Civic Awards 2023 celebrate those who have gone the extra mile for their community and voting for next year is now open.
Cllor and ex-mayor of Southwark, Barrie Hargrove has been involved with the awards for years and said they are for more than people doing their every day jobs.
Warm Spaces open to help out Southwark residents this winter
“The idea behind the civic awards is not just for people doing their job, but if they’ve done something extra – something selfless,” he said.
There are different categories for the awards.
The first three categories are for the Liberty Awards, which celebrate exceptional contributions to civic, community or family life. Individuals, businesses, projects or organisations can be nominated.
There are separate Liberty awards for the three geographical areas that made up the borough of Southwark in 1965 – Bermondsey, Camberwell, Southwark.
Another is the Young Citizen of the Year Award, which can be won by anyone under 25 in any part of the borough.
The Southwark Together Award is the newest award – designed to celebrate those who go above and beyond to promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
People can be nominated for any of the awards, apart from the mayor’s discretionary award – which is hand-picked by the mayor himself.
Past mayor’s awards have celebrated local hero Folajimi Olubunmi-Adewole, who tragically died whilst saving a woman’s life who was drowning in the Thames – which Barrie awarded during his time as mayor.
“It was unusual to grant a posthumous award,” he said, “but in this case it was impossible not to recognise the sheer bravery of this young man.”
“As a councillor and a mayor before that, I find these awards very inspiring,” Barrie said.
“They bring to light the people whose work may not be well-known – it’s such a joy to see them celebrated.
Voting will close on January 31.
“I urge everyone to get their nominations in,” Barrie added.
“I’m sure everyone knows someone who deserves recognition for going the extra mile for their community.”
Click here to find the nomination form after clicking continue twice. All forms must be submitted by Tuesday January 31.
Please note that you can only nominate one individual, organisation, project or business per form. If you wish to nominate a further individual, organisation, project or business please complete a separate form for each.
The ceremony will take place in May 2023.